Life Hugs: Parenting with Kindness

Children rely on us as parents, grandparents, caregivers and teachers to take care of them in the best way possible.

We’re here to support them – mentally, physically, emotionally, financially – to allow them to have a bright and successful future.

Emotional and mental support are imperative to a child’s well-being.

If you tell a child that they’re ‘stupid’ or ‘dumb’ long enough, they’ll tend to believe it. There’s no room in a child’s growth to hear anything negative about themselves.

Focus on the positives! Every child, every adult, has weaknesses and strengths. By belittling a child, you’re only teaching them to steer clear of the obstacles that frighten them. Children may not understand everything they encounter, but, with some patience and encouragement, they will at least have to confidence to attempt challenges.

If I’ve learned one thing as a parent, it’s to be kind to my children. No matter how angry I get, or how much stress I’m under, I still need to be that example to show my children the best way to handle any situation thrown at them.

How I react and how I treat them is what they’ll use as a resource when faced with similar dilemmas. Childhood is short enough as it is, I don’t want their memories to fall short of anything less than amazing.

Hug them tight, no matter how big they get and keep this in mind:

100 Ways to Be Kind to Your Child

Tell your child:

1. I love you.2. I love you no matter what.3. I love you even when you are angry at me.4. I love you even when I am angry with you.5. I love you when you are far way. My love for you can reach you wherever you are.6. If I could pick any 4 year old (5 year old, 6 year old…) in the whole wide world, I’d pick you.7. I love you to the moon and then around the stars and back again.8. Thank you.9. I enjoyed playing with you today.10. My favorite part of the day was when I was with you and we _______.

Share:11. The story of their birth or adoption.12. About how you cuddled them when they were a baby.13. The story of their name.14. A story about yourself when you were their age.15. The story of how their grandparents met.16. What your favorite color is.17. That sometimes you struggle too.18. That when you’re holding hands and you give three squeezes, it’s a secret code that means, “I love you”.19. What the plan is.20. What you’re doing right now.

Pretend:29. To catch their kiss and put it on your cheek.30. That their tickle tank is empty and you have to fill it.31. That their high five is so powerful it nearly knocks you over.32. That you are super ticklish.33. That you are explorers in the amazing world of your own backyard.34. That it’s party day!

Try:35. To get enough sleep.36. To drink enough water.37. To eat decent food.38. Dressing in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable.39. Calling a friend the next time you feel like you are about to lose it with the kids.40. Giving a gentle touch to show approval.41. Dancing in the kitchen.42. To get your kids to bop to the music with you in the car.43. Showing your kids that you can do a somersault or handstand or a cartwheel.44. Keeping the sigh to yourself.45. Using a kind voice, even if you have to fake it.

Read:46. A book of silly poems.47. A story and then act out the plot.48. Your favorite childhood book to them.49. When the afternoon is starting to go astray.50. Outside under a tree.51. In the library kids corner.52. The comic book they love that you’re not so hot on.53. About age appropriate behavior so you can keep your expectations realistic.

Listen:54. To your child in the car.55. To silly songs together.56. For that question that means your child really needs your input.57. One second longer than you think you have patience for.58. For the feelings behind your child’s words.

Ask:59. Why do you think that happens?60. What do you think would happen if______?61. How shall we find out?62. What are you thinking about?63. What was your favorite part of the day?64. What do you think this tastes like?

Show:65. Your child how to do something instead of banning them from it.66. How to whistle with a blade of grass.67. How to shuffle cards- make a bridge if you can!68. How to cut food.69. How to fold laundry.70. How to look up information when you don’t know the answer.71. Affection to your spouse.72. That taking care of yourself is important.

Take Time:73. To watch construction sites.74. To look at the birds.75. To let your child pour ingredients into the bowl.76. To walk places together.77. To dig in the dirt together.78. To do a task at your child’s pace.79. To just sit with your child while they play.

Trust:80. That your child is capable.81. That you are the right parent for your child.82. That you are enough.83. That you can do what is right for your family.

Delight:84. Clean your child’s room as a surprise.85. Put chocolate chips in the pancakes.86. Put a love note in their lunch.87. Make their snack into a smiley face shape.88. Make sound effects while you help them do something.89. Sit on the floor with them to play.

Let Go:90. Of the guilt.91. Of how you thought it was going to be.92. Of your need to be right.

Give:93. A kind look.94. A smile when your child walks into the room.95. A kind touch back when your child touches you.96. The chance to connect before you correct so that your child can actually hear your words.97. Your child a chance to work out their frustrations before helping them.98. A bath when the day feels long.99. A hug.100. You get to choose the next one! What is your favorite way to be kind to your child?

If you’re interested in learning more about CASA of CGS, email susanna.casaofcgs@gmail.com. Cumberland County ranked last place in Child Welfare in New Jersey. Let’s stand up for our children and do something about it! Visit www.wespeakupforchildren.org for more information and follow us on Facebook for daily updates and information.

Do you know of a Community Superhero?

Help CASA of CGS recognize the effort put forth by them to improve our community! Email Jennifer Kaysen at Jennkaysen@gmail.com. Be sure to share this post with your family and friends on Facebook and Twitter to reach a bit further and find our Superheroes!